BHP Warns Customers
Of Copper-Delivery Cuts

Mine Strike in Chile
Over a Wage Dispute
Leaves Stockpiles Low

By

James Attwood

Updated Aug. 11, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

SYDNEY, Australia -- BHP Billiton on Thursday said it is in talks with smelters in Asia and Europe about scaling back copper-concentrate deliveries, as stockpiles at its strike-hit Escondida operation in Chile reach low levels.

The strike, involving more than 2,000 workers, has forced BHP to cut output at the copper mine to 40% of capacity and tell customers the company can't be held responsible for breach of contract on concentrate...